@Green September/October 2024 | Page 15

• ISES 2024 15
September-October . 2024 | @ green

• ISES 2024 15

Accelerating energy transition

ISES has grown into a premier hub of knowledge and collaboration
BY SHEILA ROZARIO

THE 6th International Sustainable Energy Summit ( ISES ) 2024 , a unique and dynamic catalyst , served as a platform for accelerated progress in the sustainable energy transition .

Sustainable Energy Development Authority ( SEDA ) Malaysia Chairman Ahmad Zairin Ismail highlighted that the summit was not just a platform for discussion , but a global opportunity for the international community to collaborate on innovative solutions .
In his opening remarks , Ahmad Zairin Ismail expressed his deep appreciation for the support and dedication shown by all attendees . He acknowledged the presence of key stakeholders , which underscores the importance of the summit in driving forward Malaysia ’ s sustainable energy agenda .
“ Your presence at this summit underscores the importance of our mission and the unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable energy initiatives in our nation and beyond ,” said Ahmad Zairin on the opening day .
This year ’ s summit , themed ‘ Accelerating Energy Transition Through Innovation ’, not only highlighted the transformative potential of innovative approaches
but also underscored the power of collaboration in expediting the sustainable energy transition .
Throughout the two-day event , more than 5,000 participants , including 15 strategic partners and 73 exhibitors , engaged in four plenary sessions and eight deepdive workshops .
The summit also featured 70 distinguished speakers , each bringing valuable insights into the future of sustainable energy . Ahmad Zairin emphasised the summit ’ s role as a catalyst for progress in the energy sector .
FOSTERING THE NEXT GENERATION
In a move to integrate energy transition themes into the educational sphere , SEDA Malaysia collaborated with two STEM and academic partners , as well as a digital partner .
This partnership aimed to equip the next generation with the knowledge and motivation needed to drive the energy transition from an early stage .
“ The next generation must be equipped with the knowledge and motivation to drive this transition from an early stage .
“ We have collaborated with two STEM and educational partners and a digital partner , fostering the integration of energy transition themes into the educational
Ahmad Zairin Ismail
sphere ,” added Ahmad Zairin .
A DECADE OF PROGRESS
Reflecting on the journey of ISES since its inception in 2012 , Ahmad Zairin highlighted the summit ’ s evolution into a respected forum for innovation and collaboration .
“ ISES has grown into a premier hub of knowledge and collaboration , discussing the pressing issues surrounding renewable energy and energy demand management .
“ Each ISES event has allowed us to engage with groundbreaking ideas and practices that have the potential to reshape the energy
landscape not just in Malaysia but around the globe .”
SEDA Malaysia , established in 2011 with a mandate to advance the renewable energy mix in national electricity generation , has been instrumental in implementing pivotal policies such as the Feed-in Tariff ( FiT ) and Net Energy Metering ( NEM ).
These initiatives have played a critical role in empowering individuals and businesses to harness renewable energy , thereby enabling them to be part of the energy transition .
LOOKING FORWARD
As the summit progressed , participants actively engaged in the sessions , interacted with exhibitors , and connected with their peers .
“ Together , we can unlock new possibilities and design impactful , future-oriented , and sustainable solutions ,” urged Ahmad Zairin .
In his concluding remarks , Ahmad Zairin called upon all attendees to seek inspiration not only from the discussions but also from their roles as thought leaders , policy custodians , and advocates .
“ Let us remain united in our efforts to empower a sustainable future through energy transition . Together , we can build a resilient , inclusive , and prosperous Malaysia for generations to come .” – @ green

Empowering our youths

THE energy transition in Malaysia is a collective endeavour , and everybody ’ s contribution is crucial to its success .
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof encouraged the next generation of business leaders and innovators to join the renewable energy and new energy industries so that the government can speed up the energy transition goal .
It ’ s within the reach of the next generation to take the lead in discovering sustainable energy solutions and in using energy responsibly .
“ I have faith in their abilities to constantly question the current quo and advocate for legislation that puts sustainability first ,” said Fadillah , who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation , in his speech at the closing ceremony of the International Sustainable Energy Summit ( ISES ) 2024 .
“ I envision a future where our youth are empowered not only to consume energy sustainably but also to lead discussions on energy solutions . They will likely champion policies that prioritise sustainability and continuously challenge the status quo .
“ By equipping them with the necessary skills , knowledge , and opportunities , we are not only investing in their future but also ensuring the long-term reliability and sustainability of our energy landscape .”
Therefore , Malaysia needs to rethink its approaches to talent development and reorganise existing systems to encourage reskilling and upskilling across the board .
He emphasised that the goal should not be just to fill positions but also to build a long-term talent pipeline , especially among the younger generation .
An energy-literate society , according to Fadillah , is essential for a smooth transition to a greener future because everyone needs to know how energy is produced , where it comes from , how much of it we use , and what effect it has on the environment .
“ Recognising this need , the MADANI government has established the Malaysia Energy Literacy Programme ( MELP ), an initiative aimed at educating citizens with reliable energy information and
Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof
fostering a community of informed decision-makers ready to advocate energy sustainability ,” he said . – @ green